Warnock: Referees' press conferences would be a catastrophe - but fun!

Last updated at 13:16 12 February 2007

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock believes referees would make fools of themselves if they were forced to explain their decisions after matches.

There is a feeling officials should also speak to the media in the wake of a game, just as managers from both sides generally do.

There have been rare occasions in the past when referees have volunteered information on particular incidents.

However, Warnock claims it would be "a catastrophe" if they were made to conduct a post-match press conference, even though it is something he would "love to see."

"If they did they would make themselves look fools," said Warnock.

Warnock was commenting following incidents that unfolded during Wigan's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal yesterday, with Phil Dowd in the spotlight after failing to award a penalty Latics' way.

"You have to understand that while referees understand the rules, they have never played the game," added Warnock.

"So you have to think twice before letting referees come out and say things. They're better off in their own little room, getting together with the linesmen to discuss what they are going to say to everybody about their decisions during a game.

"So I can't see it happening in the near future, although I would like it."